Renowned pottery kilns, millennia-old tea farms, and authentic culture, a short trip from Kyoto’s crowds.
All About Shiga
For visitors to the Kansai region journeying to Kyoto or Osaka, Shiga provides both cultural immersion and an escape from the well-trodden tourist destinations. Craft lovers, tea drinkers, and curious explorers alike can all enjoy Shiga, perfect for a day-trip from other travel hubs.
Explore Excursions
Visit a 1000-year-old tea farm
More than 1200 years in the past, predating the recorded origin dates for tea meccas Uji and Shizuoka, the Asamiya tea gardens of Shiga were operating in full swing, serving tea deemed suitable for even the Emperor to enjoy. Located just on the scenic outskirts of Kyoto and a short drive from the stretching shores of Lake Biwa, these very same tea fields are still fully active, tended to by a coalition of tea-farming families who work to cultivate a range of flavorful tea blends, from sencha and hojicha, to matcha as well.
Guided by a 7th-generation tea farm master, stroll through the tea fields of Shiga. Depending on the season, visit a manufacturing center to see how tea is produced. End with a relaxing sampling of tea sourced from the very fields visited.
Explore a Shigaraki climbing kiln with a 5th-generation master
Rustic texture, earthy tones, and locally sourced clay define the Shigaraki pottery style, which has graced a range of residences, from noble tea masters to everyday citizens. Organic, elegant, and embracing the natural colors of the clay, Shigaraki-yaki is emblematic of not only the Shiga region, but also of wabi-sabi philosophies that stress beauty in humble simplicity and use.
Visit the kiln of a 5th-generation Shigaraki-yaki master. Learn more about the history and production techniques of this ancient artform. View an authentic climbing kiln and see the work of the master in the gallery.
Get hands on with a pottery workshop and tea ceremony
The rustic, earthen elegance of Shigaraki-yaki, a pottery style that's said to have originated in the 8th century in an area now considered one of Japan's "Great Six Kiln" areas, pairs seamlessly with the subdued harmony of tea ceremony, which places a heightened emphasis on the materials used to prepare and serve guests in a display of precisely curated hospitality.
In this pottery workshop, join a master Shigaraki potter, whose family lineage of craftsmanship stretches all the way back to the Edo Period, in his own personal studio. Then, enjoy an Urasenke-style tea ceremony led by the master.
How to spend a day in Shiga
If you’re looking for what to do in Shiga, why not start out with Lake Biwa? Just a 10-minute train ride from Kyoto Station, Lake Biwa is Japan’s largest lake and famous for its scenic bike rides. Shiga also features historical viewpoints, such as Hikone Castle, without the crowds of larger cities.
For the arts and culture lovers, however, the Shigaraki region is the essential place to visit, housing centuries-old kilns, countless ceramic tanuki statues, as well as close access to tea farms built into the nearby rolling hills.
Sample Itinerary
Start the day in Kyoto and head to Shiga by either the JR Kusatsu Line or by rental car
Visit the Asamiya tea fields and enjoy a tea tasting of the premium brews
Grab lunch in downtown Shigaraki, enjoying local Omi Beef or seasonal Maitake mushrooms harvested from nearby mountains
Take a tour of a Shigaraki-yaki ceramic kiln, featuring nobori-gama climbing kilns
Grab a tanuki souvenir while still in Shigaraki from one of the many roadside locations selling this charming trickster ceramics
Head to nearby Koka to explore an authentic ninja house, then stop by the partially restored castle ruins of Minakuchi Castle
Grab dinner in Koka, or head back towards Kyoto to enjoy Kyoto-style cuisine - or even a dinner and performance by geisha
How to get there
How to get to Shigaraki from Kyoto
Getting from Kyoto Station to Shigaraki directly by train takes over 2 hours and requires two transfers: one in Kusatsu from the JR Biwako to the KR Kusatsu and one in Kibukawa from the JR Kusatsu to the Shigaraki Kogen Railway.
You can also take the Tokaido-Sanyo line towards Tsuge until Kibukawa Station, transferring to the Shigaraki Kogen Railway then.
Another option is to take the bus from Keihan-Ishiyamadera for one hour, which is recommended for people looking to pass through the tea farms.
However, as the kilns and activities in Shigaraki can be quite spread out, renting a car is the best option for travelers.
Renting a car
Renting a car offers more flexibility than traveling by train or bus in Shigaraki or around the Shiga area. Rental car locations are available both in Kyoto, with offices directly near Kyoto Station, or in locations around Shiga, useful for those looking to avoid congested city traffic on their drive.
*You will need a valid driving license for Japan, such as an International Driving Permit (IDP) or legal translation of your license.
Shiga FAQs
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Shiga Prefecture, home to Lake Biwa, offers a wide variety of cultural, natural, and outdoor experiences. Visitors can explore Hikone Castle, one of Japan’s original castles with centuries of history. The lakeside town of Otsu features the famous Ukimido “floating temple”, while the surrounding mountains are perfect for hiking. Shiga is also known for cycling the Biwaichi route, a scenic 200 km course around Lake Biwa, ideal for both casual riders and serious cyclists. Food lovers will enjoy regional specialties like omi beef, one of Japan’s top wagyu brands, while pottery fans can enjoy Shigaraki.
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Shiga is directly east of Kyoto, making it extremely easy to reach. From Kyoto Station to Otsu, the capital of Shiga Prefecture, the train ride takes as little as 10 minutes by JR line. This convenience makes Shiga one of the closest and most accessible prefectures from Kyoto, perfect for travelers looking to escape the crowds without going too far.
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From Osaka Station to Otsu, the journey is usually 40 to 60 minutes by train, depending on the service you take. Express trains on the JR Biwako Line make it especially convenient. This means Shiga is close enough for a day trip from Osaka, but also offers plenty of attractions to justify an overnight stay.
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The ideal length of stay in Shiga depends on your interests. A day trip from Kyoto or Osaka is enough to see highlights like Hikone Castle or Ukimido. However, spending 2–3 days allows you to cycle around Lake Biwa, explore smaller towns, and enjoy onsen and cultural workshops. Travelers looking for a balance of nature, history, and hands-on cultural experiences will find Shiga worth a longer stay.
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Yes, Shiga is one of the easiest day-trip destinations from Kyoto. With direct train access in just 10 minutes, you can easily spend a day visiting Hikone Castle, cruising on Lake Biwa, or cycling part of the Biwaichi route. That said, staying overnight in a lakeside ryokan gives you more time to enjoy hot springs, relax by the water, and explore Shiga’s slower pace of life.
